Most important takeaways…
- Memphis NP salaries reach a median of $116,860, roughly 8% above the Tennessee statewide median of $108,420.
- The University of Memphis MSN-FNP program requires at least 750 supervised clinical hours across a 46-credit curriculum.
- FNP, PMHNP, AGNP, PNP, WHNP, and AGACNP specialties are available through Memphis-area and Tennessee-based programs.
- DNP pathways from both BSN-entry and post-master's tracks give working nurses flexible doctoral options in the region.
Memphis anchors a regional healthcare network that includes Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, Baptist Memorial Health Care, Regional One Health, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, employers that together fuel steady demand for nurse practitioners in primary, specialty, and acute care roles.
For working nurses, this demand opens advancement paths, yet the number of degree options (MSN, DNP, and post-master's certificates in specialties like FNP, PMHNP, and AGNP) demands a clear-eyed look at cost, clinical placement, and the local job market.
In a metro where NP salaries run about 10% below the national median, choosing a program with manageable debt and realistic preceptorship arrangements is not just strategic; it is essential for a career that stays financially sound.
NP Programs Available in the Memphis Metro Area
Memphis gives nurses more nurse practitioner options than the city limits suggest. Local campuses offer doctoral and certificate routes, and several Tennessee universities deliver online or hybrid programs that let students keep working in Memphis and complete clinical hours with area preceptors. Nurses travel into these programs from Germantown, Bartlett, Collierville, Southaven, Mississippi, and West Memphis, Arkansas, so the list below covers the metro along with regional options within commuting reach.
Factors considered
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- Earnings ten years after entry
- Range of NP specialties offered
- Clinical hour requirements
- Online and hybrid flexibility
- Program-level records maintained in house
- Independent editorial research
- National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) — nces.ed.gov
- State cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities — bea.gov
- Federal College Scorecard outcomes data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center is the state's academic health sciences campus in Memphis, and its College of Nursing sits within the city's medical district. Nurse practitioner study here is doctoral-level, with DNP tracks in family, psychiatric-mental health, and adult-gerontology acute care plus a dual family and psychiatric-mental health concentration. Short post-graduate certificates let practicing APRNs add a specialty without a second full degree, and faculty help arrange clinical placements across the Mid-South.
- 61 credit hours with 1,140 clinical hours
- Hybrid format with on-campus intensives
- BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP entry paths
- Faculty-assisted clinical site selection
- Clinical placements across the Mid-South region
- 1,080 clinical hours plus a capstone
- Post-BSN and post-MSN entry options
- At least 500 hours in direct primary care
- On-campus simulation experiences required
- Synchronous and asynchronous course options
- 1,020 clinical hours in acute care settings
- On-campus intensives three times per year
- Post-BSN and post-MSN pathways
- Prepares for AGACNP certification
- 73 credit hours across two specialties
- Prepares for two national certification exams
- DNP project capstone required
- Accredited by CCNE through 2034
- 20 credit hours completed in one year
- Hybrid with on-campus sessions twice a year
- For licensed APRNs with an NP master's
- Clinical placements near the student's home
- 23 credit hours for DNP-prepared APRNs
- Campus-based delivery in Memphis
- Teaches psychotherapy and psychopharmacology
- Prepares for ANCC certification
- Priority application date of February 1
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric-Mental Health / Family Nurse Practitioner (Dual Concentration) — Hybrid
Post-Graduate APRN (MSN) Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Certificate — Hybrid
Post-Graduate APRN (DNP) Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate — On-Campus
University of Memphis
A public university in the middle of Memphis, the University of Memphis prepares nurse practitioners through its UofM Global unit. The MSN in adult-gerontology acute care can be completed online with brief on-campus intensives, and post-master's certificates in family and acute care practice let experienced nurses add a certification. Clinical training draws on Memphis hospitals, intensive care units, and outpatient clinics, so students rarely travel far for their hours.
- 44 credit hours; same degree online or on campus
- Requires 2 years of ICU or ER experience
- Up to three on-campus intensives, 1 to 3 days each
- Rolling admissions with fall and spring starts
- Prepares for national AG-ACNP certification
- Post-master's certificate for graduate-prepared RNs
- Hybrid format with hands-on clinical experience
- Covers assessment, diagnosis, and prescribing
- Prepares for the national FNP certification exam
- Includes chronic illness and acute care training
- Post-graduate certificate for advanced practice nurses
- Clinical practicums in hospitals, ICUs, and EDs
- Builds on advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology
- Prepares for AG-ACNP certification
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Online
Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate (Post-Master's) — Hybrid
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate — Hybrid
Baptist Health Sciences University
Baptist Health Sciences University is a Memphis-based health sciences campus with a faith-based mission and small cohorts. Its nurse practitioner offerings are doctoral: BSN-to-DNP tracks in adult-gerontology acute care and adult-gerontology primary care, both built around extensive clinical time in high-acuity settings. A partnership with a large Memphis health system supports placements, and a part-time path exists for nurses who keep working.
- 66 credit hours over about three years
- More than 1,000 clinical hours in ICU and ED settings
- Full-time and part-time tracks available
- Rolling admissions with a spring start
- Clinical partnership with a Memphis health system
- Small cohort sizes with faith-based values
- 3-year program with rolling admissions
- Spring start and a September priority deadline
- Prepares for advanced practice certification
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Union University
Union University is a private Christian university whose nursing programs run from a Jackson campus about halfway between Memphis and Nashville. The hybrid format combines online coursework with limited campus sessions, an arrangement that suits West Tennessee nurses who cannot relocate. Offerings include an MSN in family practice, BSN-to-DNP tracks in family and psychiatric-mental health care, and post-graduate certificates in both specialties.
- 46 credit hours over 16 months
- 560 clinical hours in primary care settings
- Hybrid: online classes plus campus sessions
- Admits once a year with rolling review
- Prepares for AANP or ANCC certification
- 73 credit hours over about 36 months
- 1,220 clinical hours required
- Full-time, fall-start cohort
- DNP project completion required
- RN licensure in Tennessee or a compact state
- 73 credit hours across 36 months
- 1,220 clinical hours total
- Prepares for the PMHNP certification exam
- Includes advanced pharmacology and pathophysiology
- Blended online and campus delivery
- 26 credit hours for MSN-prepared nurses
- Fall start with rolling admissions review
- Advanced health assessment and pharmacology courses
- Personal statement and three references required
- 29 credit hours in a hybrid format
- Includes psychopharmacology coursework
- Requires MSN, RN licensure, and a 3.0 GPA
- Clinical hours in varied mental health settings
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN to DNP) — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN to DNP) — Hybrid
Post-Graduate Certificate, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Post-Graduate Certificate, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University is a private research university in Nashville whose nurse practitioner catalog spans family, psychiatric-mental health, adult-gerontology primary care, women's health, pediatric primary and acute care, neonatal, and emergency practice. Most tracks are hybrid, blending online classes with short on-campus sessions. The clinical placement team works to arrange rotations in each student's preferred region, which matters for Memphis-area nurses who want to stay close to home.
- Hybrid format with on-campus simulation and immersion
- More than 600 clinical hours across diverse settings
- Full-time in 4 semesters, with part-time plans
- Curriculum built on the 2021 AACN Essentials
- Clinical sites include family practices, urgent care, rural clinics
- Dual specialty leads to two credentials
- 8 full-time semesters of study
- Over 1,400 clinical hours
- Hybrid online learning with in-person midwifery work
- Full-time completion in about 16 months
- 560 supervised clinical hours
- Part-time option for working nurses
- On-campus sessions run 3 to 5 days
- Includes psychotherapy and medication management
- For RNs who already hold an MSN
- 500+ supervised clinical hours
- 4 to 5 full-time semesters
- Individual plan of study with gap analysis
- Certificate noted on the official transcript
- Dual women's health and adult primary care scope
- About 1,190 clinical hours across both roles
- Prepares for WHNP and AGPCNP certification
- Part-time plan available for working nurses
- Certificate pathway at the graduate level
- 1,190 clinical practice hours
- Five semesters full time
- Placement support in preferred geographic areas
- 4-semester program, full time or part time
- 560 clinical hours in acute care settings
- Prepares for the PNP-AC certification exam
- Small cohorts with simulation experiences
- One of the first PNP acute care programs
- About 630 clinical practice hours
- Full time in 4 semesters, part time available
- Prepares for CPNP-PC certification
- Low faculty-to-student ratios
- BSN-to-DNP and post-master's routes available
- No entrance exam required; test optional
- Rolling admissions with a fall start
- About 500 clinical hours
- Dual AGPCNP and women's health option
- Subspecialty certificates in dermatology and cardiology
- 4 full-time semesters
- About 770 clinical practice hours
- Requires at least 2 years of NICU experience
- Prepares for NNP certification
- Full-time and part-time options
- Hybrid online and on-campus format
- Nationwide clinical experiences
- Requires RN emergency experience
- Can lead to dual certification
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Master's — Hybrid
Nurse-Midwifery / Family Nurse Practitioner, Master's — Hybrid
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Hybrid
Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Women's Health / Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Hybrid
Women's Health / Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner (Certificate) — Hybrid
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care, Master's — Hybrid
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care, Master's — Hybrid
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Hybrid
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Master's — Hybrid
Emergency Nurse Practitioner, Master's — Hybrid
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a large public university with nurse practitioner options at two levels. Post-master's graduate certificates cover family and pediatric primary or acute care practice for nurses who already hold an MSN and APRN certification, while the DNP tracks add doctoral coursework and a project. Teaching is hybrid, with online classes and campus visits twice a semester.
- 840 clinical hours required
- Mandatory on-site clinical sessions
- Open to nurses with an MSN and APRN certification
- Advanced pharmacology prerequisite within 5 years
- Holistic admissions with essay weighted heavily
- Hybrid with on-campus visits twice each semester
- Synchronous online class meetings
- High-fidelity simulation center on campus
- Mentored clinical rotations with licensed preceptors
- Focus on primary care across the lifespan
- Primary care PNP certificate for APRNs
- 840 clinical hours plus mandatory campus sessions
- Master's degree in nursing required for entry
- Prerequisite coursework within the last 5 years
- Acute care pediatric certificate for working APRNs
- Requires primary care PNP certification first
- Gap analysis of prior graduate coursework
- Two letters of recommendation minimum
- Dual certification in primary and acute pediatric care
- Designed around the pediatric NP shortage
- On-campus visits twice each semester
- Rotations arranged with pediatric preceptors
- About 600 clinical hours
- Prepares for CPNP-PC certification
- Hybrid with on-campus visits twice a semester
- Synchronous online class sessions
- BSN-to-DNP entry pathway
- 600 direct patient care clinical hours
- 1,000 total hours required for the DNP
- High-fidelity simulation center
- Prepares for PMHNP certification
Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Pediatric Primary Nurse Practitioner (Graduate Certificate) — Hybrid
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Graduate Certificate) — Hybrid
Pediatric Primary/Acute Care Dual Nurse Practitioner (DNP) — Hybrid
Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (DNP) — Hybrid
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP) — Hybrid
Middle Tennessee State University
Middle Tennessee State University, in Murfreesboro, delivers its nurse practitioner programs mostly online. The MSN includes family and psychiatric-mental health concentrations, and a psychiatric-mental health certificate is available for nurses who already hold a graduate degree. Clinical rotations are arranged in the student's local area whenever possible, which is a meaningful detail for Memphis nurses who do not want to move.
- Online coursework with clinicals arranged locally
- 42 credit hours, 630 direct patient care hours
- Complete in 4 or 5 semesters
- Prepares for national FNP certification
- Holistic primary care focus across the lifespan
- 42 credit hours with 630 clinical hours
- Four to five semester completion options
- Online coursework with local clinical rotations
- Covers assessment, prescribing, and therapy
- Preceptor assistance provided
- Certificate for nurses with a graduate degree
- 630 clinical hours minimum
- Requires APRN core courses
- Builds on prior graduate coursework
Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Online
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Hybrid
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Graduate Certificate) — Online
Belmont University
Belmont University is a private university in Nashville that leans on the city's dense healthcare sector for clinical training and networking. Nurse practitioner study is offered at the master's and doctoral levels in family practice. Coursework is hybrid and largely asynchronous, and the DNP includes a simulation center and interprofessional labs on campus.
- 41 credit hours of hybrid coursework
- Admission requires a BSN, RN license, 3.0 GPA
- Application submitted through NursingCAS
- Program must be finished within six years
- Includes core theory, research, and statistics courses
- About 800 clinical hours
- Asynchronous online classes with campus labs
- Three concentration options for DNP students
- Interprofessional IMPACT Labs and simulation center
- Prepares for national FNP certification
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Tennessee Tech
Tennessee Tech, in Cookeville, runs a fully online MSN in family practice plus nurse practitioner certificates and DNP tracks in family, psychiatric-mental health, women's health, adult-gerontology, and pediatric care. Several doctoral pathways are offered jointly with East Tennessee State University. Coursework is designed so students can stay in their home communities and complete clinical hours with local preceptors.
- 45 credit hours, fully online
- Finish in about 2 to 2.5 years
- Clinical hours completed with local preceptors
- 3.0 undergraduate and graduate GPA required
- Two courses per semester across 7 to 8 terms
- Prepares for the FNP national certification exam
- Online and hybrid delivery options
- Patient-centered primary care across the lifespan
- BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP entry paths
- Focus on acute and chronic illness management
- Online coursework with flexible loads
- Prepares for PMHNP national certification
- Covers lifespan mental health care
- RN-to-MSN bridge and post-master's options
- 23 credit hours over 4 semesters
- Two courses per semester, flexible pace
- Clinical preceptors arranged locally
- Requires a master's in nursing and 3.0 GPA
- Fall admission with a July 1 deadline
- DNP project spans 12 credit hours
- Comprehensive psychiatric care across the lifespan
- BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP entry options
- Joint program with East Tennessee State University
- Prepares for PMHNP national certification
- 23 credit hours and 510 clinical hours
- Campus-based post-graduate certificate
- Requires a master's in nursing and RN licensure
- Focuses on care from birth to age 21
- Fully online with local clinical placements
- Requires two years of RN experience
- Writing sample required for admission
- 79 credit hours for the BSN-to-DNP path
- 32 credit MSN-to-DNP option
- Prepares for women's health certification
- Hybrid delivery with a capstone project
- BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP entry paths
- DNP project requires 12 credit hours
- Prepares for national AGPCNP certification
- Four concentration options within the DNP
- 75 credit hours for the BSN-to-DNP track
- MSN-to-DNP path requires 31 to 35 credits
- Focus on acute care management
- Prepares for AGACNP certification
Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Online
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Online
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate — Online
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate — On-Campus
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care — Online
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga offers a hybrid MSN in family practice, a DNP in family practice, a BSN-to-DNP psychiatric-mental health track, and post-graduate certificates in family, psychiatric, and acute care practice. Preceptorships span adult, women's, and pediatric primary care, with a final practicum immersion. The program tells students that full-time work is discouraged during the clinical-heavy stretches.
- 48 to 53 credit hours
- 630 clinical clock hours
- Hybrid online and on-campus format
- Prepares for AANP or ANCC certification
- Thesis option available
- 83 credit hours across 8 semesters
- 1,050 clinical hours
- 100% first-time FNP pass rate reported
- Preceptorships in adult, women's, and pediatric care
- Full-time employment discouraged during the program
- 82 credit hours over 8 semesters
- Full-time enrollment with a fall start
- Preceptorships in varied psychiatric settings
- First-time pass rate above 96% reported
- 25 credit hours over 4 semesters
- For MSN or DNP-prepared nurses
- Application deadline of March 1
- Includes adult, women's, and pediatric primary care
- 28 credit hours over 5 semesters
- Covers psychiatric diagnosis and management
- Includes counseling principles and a final practicum
- For MSN or DNP-prepared NPs
- 24 semester hours
- Focused on adult and geriatric acute care
- Clinical practicum runs alongside coursework
- Requires a master's degree for admission
Family Nurse Practitioner Lifespan (MSN) — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN to DNP) — Hybrid
Family Nurse Practitioner Lifespan Post-Graduate Certificate — Hybrid
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate — Hybrid
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate — Hybrid
FNP, PMHNP, AGNP, and Other NP Specialties in Memphis
Memphis-area nursing schools collectively cover the full spectrum of nurse practitioner specialties, though no single institution offers every concentration. Understanding which programs prepare you for which patient populations helps you match your career goals to the right school and credential pathway.
Family Nurse Practitioner
The University of Memphis offers FNP preparation through its Master of Science in Nursing program and a post-master's FNP Graduate Certificate for nurses who already hold an advanced degree.1 Family nurse practitioners provide primary care across the lifespan, treating patients from newborns to older adults in clinics, urgent care centers, and physician practices throughout the Memphis metro area.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
PMHNP preparation is available through the University of Memphis via a graduate certificate program.2 This specialty addresses a critical workforce gap in the Mid-South, where behavioral health provider shortages create strong demand for psychiatric NPs. PMHNPs diagnose and treat mental health conditions in community mental health centers, hospital psychiatric units, addiction treatment facilities, and private practice settings throughout Memphis and the surrounding region.
Acute Care and Other Specialties
The University of Memphis also offers an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP Graduate Certificate, preparing nurses for roles in intensive care units, emergency departments, and hospital specialty services.2 For nurses interested in this pathway, you can explore AGACNP programs in Tennessee for a broader look at statewide options. UTHSC's DNP program in Memphis provides the broadest specialty selection in the region, with six NP concentrations and three dual-specialty options for students seeking multiple certifications.3
Union University, located about 80 miles east in Jackson, offers a general nurse practitioner track within its MSN program.4 For specialties not offered locally, such as Pediatric NP or Women's Health NP, Memphis-area nurses typically enroll in online PNP programs from other Tennessee institutions or accredited out-of-state schools that arrange clinical placements in the Memphis healthcare market. Nurses weighing their options may also want to consider which highest paid nurse practitioner specialties align with their clinical interests.
Tuition, Costs, and Financial Aid for Memphis NP Programs
NP program costs in Tennessee vary widely depending on the institution type, degree level, and residency status. The table below compares annual tuition figures and median graduate debt at schools serving Memphis-area nurses. Note that these are institution-level figures reported to federal databases; your actual cost will depend on program-specific credit requirements, fees, and financial aid. Program-level tuition for NP tracks (for example, the University of Memphis MSN-FNP per-credit rate of $678 for 2025-2026) may differ from the broader institutional averages shown here. Many Memphis-area employers, including Methodist Le Bonheur Health, Baptist Memorial Health Care, and Regional One Health, offer tuition reimbursement benefits that can substantially offset these costs. Check with your human resources department, as benefit structures and annual caps differ by employer and may require a service commitment after graduation. Beyond employer benefits, NP students should explore the HRSA Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program, which covers up to 85 percent of qualifying nursing education debt in exchange for two to three years of service in a designated shortage area. Tennessee-specific options include the Tennessee Student Assistance Award for graduate students and NP-focused scholarships through organizations such as the Tennessee Nurses Foundation and the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health.
| School | Location | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price | Median Graduate Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Memphis | Memphis, TN | $11,628 | $15,840 | $12,397 | $23,300 |
| Baptist Health Sciences University | Memphis, TN | $13,796 (private) | $13,796 (private) | $11,212 | $29,500 |
| Austin Peay State University | Clarksville, TN | $10,518 | $15,702 | $9,735 | $20,547 |
| Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro, TN | $11,718 | $29,700 | $13,359 | $20,000 |
| Tennessee State University | Nashville, TN | $11,188 | $23,808 | $15,796 | $27,000 |
| Tennessee Tech | Cookeville, TN | $12,386 | $15,746 | $14,246 | $15,650 |
| South College | Knoxville, TN | $28,849 (private) | $28,849 (private) | $17,858 | $18,668 |
| Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN | $57,868 (private) | $57,868 (private) | $15,846 | $14,000 |
Clinical Hour Requirements and Memphis-Area Placement
The University of Memphis MSN-FNP program requires a minimum of 750 supervised clinical hours spread across several practicum courses within a 46-credit curriculum.1 That figure sits slightly above the 600 to 720 range typical of many MSN-FNP tracks nationwide, giving graduates extra hands-on preparation before sitting for certification. DNP programs, including those at UTHSC, generally require 1,000 or more total practice hours, with the exact count depending on whether post-master's credit is awarded for hours completed during an earlier MSN. For a deeper look at what to expect during practicum courses, our guide to FNP clinical rotations breaks down hour requirements and scheduling strategies.
Placement Policies to Know
Clinical placement policies vary by school and can shift from year to year, so confirming the latest policy with your admissions advisor is important. Some programs assist students in coordinating placements through established affiliation agreements, while others expect students to identify and secure their own preceptors. If you are completing coursework through an online program, understanding how online NP students arrange local clinical placements can save you time and frustration. Either way, Memphis-area students benefit from a dense network of health systems and community clinics that regularly host NP learners.
Memphis-Area Clinical Sites
The metro area offers a wide range of practice settings for fulfilling your clinical hours:
- Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare: A multi-hospital system with acute care, pediatric, and primary care sites across Shelby County.
- Baptist Memorial Health Care: One of the Mid-South's largest systems, with facilities in Memphis and surrounding communities.
- Regional One Health: The area's only Level I trauma center, offering high-acuity and safety-net patient populations.
- Memphis VA Medical Center: Federal facility serving veterans, often open to NP student rotations through separate affiliation agreements.
- Christ Community Health Services: A federally qualified health center network providing primary and behavioral health care to underserved neighborhoods.
- Church Health: A faith-based clinic system focused on uninsured and working-poor populations, valuable for community health exposure.
Tips for Securing a Placement
Competition for preceptors in any major metro area can be stiff, so starting early gives you an advantage. Reach out to potential preceptors at least two semesters before your first practicum course. Lean on professional networks such as the Tennessee Nurses Association or local APRN groups to identify practitioners willing to mentor students. If your program permits it, consider placements in smaller cities within commuting distance, such as Germantown, Bartlett, Collierville, or even across the state line in Southaven and Olive Branch, Mississippi, where patient panels may be just as diverse but preceptor slots less contested.
NP Salary Snapshot: Memphis Metro Area
Nurse practitioners in the Memphis metro area earn a median annual salary of $116,860, roughly 8% above the Tennessee statewide median of $108,420 but about 10% below the national median of $129,210. Because Memphis consistently ranks well below the national average for cost of living, that salary stretches further here than comparable pay in many larger metros.
Admissions, Prerequisites, and DNP Pathways
The push toward doctoral-level preparation in advanced practice nursing continues to reshape how programs structure their admissions pipelines, and Memphis-area schools have responded with flexible options that let working nurses move from BSN to MSN or all the way through to a DNP without leaving their jobs.
What Memphis NP Programs Expect From Applicants
Most NP programs in the Memphis area share a common set of baseline requirements:
- Prerequisite degree: A BSN from a regionally accredited institution is the standard starting point for MSN and BSN-to-DNP tracks.1
- Minimum GPA: The University of Memphis sets a 3.0 cumulative GPA threshold for its MSN-FNP program. Applicants who fall in the 2.75 to 2.99 range may still gain conditional admission by completing two graduate courses with a grade of B or better.1
- RN licensure: An active, unrestricted RN license is required. Programs verify licensure status during the application review.2
- Clinical experience: While the University of Memphis does not publish a strict minimum hour count, clinical RN experience is evaluated as part of a holistic admissions review. Many programs across the region prefer one to two years of direct patient care.2
- Standardized tests: The University of Memphis does not require the GRE for MSN applicants.1 UTHSC program requirements vary by track, so applicants should confirm current testing policies directly with the admissions office.
Full-Time and Part-Time Timelines
The University of Memphis MSN-FNP program is designed for completion in roughly 24 to 36 months, depending on course load.3 A part-time option is available, which is especially valuable for nurses who plan to keep working while earning their degree. Part-time students should expect timelines closer to three to four years. If you are still mapping out how long the journey from bedside nursing to advanced practice takes, our from RN to NP planning guide breaks down realistic milestones. Programs at UTHSC similarly offer scheduling flexibility, though exact timelines depend on the specialty track.
DNP Pathways at UTHSC
UTHSC offers both a BSN-to-DNP route and a post-master's DNP pathway. The BSN-to-DNP track integrates clinical specialty coursework with doctoral-level scholarship, typically spanning three to four years of full-time study. Nurses who already hold an MSN can enter the post-master's DNP program, which is shorter since foundational advanced practice courses transfer in. For a detailed look at what doctoral programs generally require, review our overview of DNP prerequisites before you apply.
Employers across Tennessee, particularly large health systems in Memphis, are increasingly favoring DNP-prepared nurse practitioners for leadership and clinical roles. The doctoral degree also positions graduates for faculty appointments and health policy work. For nurses who are still weighing the MSN against the DNP, the BSN-to-DNP path eliminates the need to complete two separate programs, saving both time and tuition over the long run.
